Rugby, Italy Under 20 beat Japan and avoid relegation

With the victory over Japan (45-27) in the play-off between the last to avoid relegation in the Trophy, Italy U20 finished the rugby world championship in 11th place and remains in the Championship. Compared to the last edition of the world championship (2019) it is a small step backwards, because 4 years ago in Argentina the Azzurrini – who arrived in South Africa with high hopes, even cultivating for a while the dream of even going to the semifinals – had concluded in ninth position after a convincing final victory over Georgia. This time however coach Massimo Brunello’s boys lost too clearly, in the game and in the score, the comparisons with Argentina (15-43), Georgia (17-30) and Fiji (26-41). The historic success against the Springboks (34-26) in the mud of Paarl remains: beating the hosts could have deluded a group that certainly has some important individuals but perhaps was betrayed by ambition.

The title to France in the final against Ireland

The title went to France, who confirmed themselves as champions 4 years later: they beat Ireland in a final which seemed to be an advance of the seniors’ World Cup which was almost upon us. At this moment the northern hemisphere is evidently another step, from a technical and physical point of view, compared to the southern one. Third place for South Africa, which defeated England in the final, then Australia, Wales, New Zealand (the young All Blacks confirmed their disappointing 7th place in 2019), Georgia, Argentina, Fiji and – indeed – Italy.

Coach Brunello: “We learned a lot”

The Azzurrini are returning to Italy today. “This tournament, and the last week in particular, will serve these players more than ten years of rugby played,” comments coach Massimo Brunello. “We have all learned what it means to play at a very high level every 5 days, to have pressure, to bear heavy criticism when up to a minute before everyone is ready to praise you, going from touching heaven with a finger after South Africa to feeling with one foot in the hell after Fiji. Metabolizing, looking in the mirror and transforming fear into positive energy, the one that exploded against Japan, a team that deserves the utmost respect for the pride with which they faced us and for the dignity with which they accepted the result, was a man’s challenge and as men it was won. The dedication is for the boys, the staff with whom we have shared this entire journey, and then for the Italian coaches, the many who have supported me in these difficult days but also all the others, because it is thanks to the daily work at all levels that Italian rugby is standing and can try to grow, and this is never highlighted enough”.